All fish / Cichlidae

Convict Cichlid

Amatitlania nigrofasciata

Also known as convict, zebra cichlid, white convict, pink convict, marbled convict, cichlasoma nigrofasciatum, archocentrus nigrofasciatus, convict cichild, black convict, ปลาม้าลาย, ikan konvik, コンビクト・シクリッド

This is a small, deep-bodied cichlid with a blue-grey body crossed by bold black bars. Females show orange patches on the belly and fins. People keep it because it is hardy, full of character and shows close parental care of its young.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

110 litres

Keep as

A single pair, or one fish, with robust tankmates

Diet

Omnivore: cichlid pellets, flakes, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus vegetable matter

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Central America: Pacific slope from Guatemala and El Salvador to Costa Rica, Atlantic slope of Honduras

Breeding

Pairs spawn very readily in caves or under rocks. Both parents guard the eggs and fry fiercely. Breeding is so easy that you may need a plan for the surplus young.

Good to know

It turns very aggressive when breeding and can kill tankmates in small tanks. The pale pink or white form is the same species. It has become invasive in some warm countries, so never release it.